Orwellian Imaging Regulation and Misinformation UK

Just had a look at some of the issues and event reports on the AP site.

30,00 trained under Project Argus.

To be on the look out for

"'overt/covert photography' as well as those in possession of 'photographs, maps, global positioning systems, photographic equipment, (cameras, zoom lenses, camcorders)'".

Will our investment in photographic equipment soon be worthless?

Will the UK Gov offer an amnesty period so that we can hand over our cameras and lenses, GPS equipment, maps, etc?

Would anyone wanting to buy a camera require a clearance certificate or license in the future?

I recall that some of Britains "best" spies and traitors were in sensetive government positions.

Now all eyes are on Joe public. Why?

Regards

I think it is time Liberty (also known as the National Council for Civil Liberties) stopped worrying about individual cases, and concentrated on the big picture.

I think most people in Britain would be horrified if they knew how far we have already gone down the road to "1984".

I used to think that there would never be enough people to do all the monitoring and surveilance, but it represents a very attractive job creation scheme at the present time when the country badly needs one.

Very worrying indeed.

G

GPS Systems?!!

That means 70% of the cars on the road must be under suspicion!

I agree that 'Project Argus' seems like a 'charter for spying', but I suppose doing something is better than nothing.

Afterall, we WERE attacked recently, and a lot of people lost their lives as a result. A few more people on the lookout can only help, although I accept it may mean more photographers being asked what they're up to.

I do think that as a country we've accepted far too many infringements on our civil liberties, and those in power would like even more legislation to 'keep an eye on us'.

The guidance for police around stop and search and photographers is actually quite clear, the problem, as with so many things, is in its implementation. I know work is ongoing to try and fix that.

Agree with Tooks. The problem is that after the terrorist attacks, the govt and other agencies were under pressure to be seen to be doing something, and this is what we get. Rather like health and safety, in their keenness to 'protect us' and lets be honest, cover their arses in the case that something does go wrong, the powers that be are smothering and constraining us.

I don't see this as 'Orwellian' although it is damn annoying, and no substitute for effective government with a clear sense leadership.

Orwell was the King of concepts and phrases but I'm with those that think Huxley was the more prescient writer: link

I don't entirely disagree, but "1984" emphasised the constant monitoring and surveilance which we seem to be headed towards.

G

Brilliant cartoon strip, Hefty! Truly scary.

Eeeek, pretty scary, really